Program Director, MA in Theological Studies program

About the Job

The Faculty/Program Director leads and manages graduate-level theology programs (currently only one, the MA in Theological Studies) and undergraduate theology courses in the School of Biblical & Theological Studies, College of Adult & Graduate Studies. Courses in these programs are offered entirely online to adult students worldwide. The director/professor ensures all programs align with related accreditation and high-quality educational standards while supporting Colorado Christian University’s (CCU’s) Christ-centered Mission and Strategic Priorities. The faculty/program director enjoys faculty rank (TBD based on credentials and experience), teaching 27 credit hours of online coursework per year as a base contract requirement. This position reports to the dean of the School of Biblical & Theological Studies (SBTS) about the performance of all assigned instructional, leadership, and administrative responsibilities.

About CCU

Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world-class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.

Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914 on two principles — grace and truth. CCU’s scriptural foundation comes from John 1:17: For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (ESV)

CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.

A leader in higher education, the University has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had nine consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.

Scripture states all Christians are called to serve Christ and to minister to others. Because Christians are individuals with different gifts and callings, we serve Christ in a variety of ministry vocations. CCU invites you to explore how you may use your calling and gifts at the University.

What is most appealing about working at CCU?

1. Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique in higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
2. Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom, and the truth of God’s Word.
3. Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
4. Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.

We’re looking for candidates who have:

1. A doctoral degree (PhD) in a theological discipline is required.
2. Three years of full-time, or equivalent experience is required.
3. Working knowledge of MS Office products – Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
4. Strong human relations skills as applied in a remote/online working environment.
5. Experience teaching adults through an online/asynchronous learning management system.
6. Deep knowledge of the teaching and learning cycle as applied to content development, evaluation, quality control, and revision.
7. Experience working in higher education, particularly in the support of online programs.
8. A commitment to the Christian faith and the mission of Colorado Christian University.
9. Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education, preferably in program administration or academic management.
10. Proven teaching and curriculum development excellence, with a track record of engaging students and fostering critical thinking.
11. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
12. A record of scholarly achievement, including publications and presentations in relevant academic journals and conferences.
13. Experience in student advising, mentoring, or pastoral care is highly desirable.
14. Comfortable working remotely and proficient in using online communication and collaboration tools.

Mission Contribution

CCU’s mission is Christ-centered higher education, transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. In this role, the theology program director contributes to the mission by ensuring both graduate and undergraduate students are supported in their goals of deepening their theological understanding and applying that understanding to ministry and life.

Key Job Duties

1. Ensure that SBTS students realize an exceptional and transformative learning experience.
2. Continuously assess all assigned programs and lead improvements, as needed:
1. Content (legal alignments, course offerings, online course shells, syllabi, etc.)
2. Instructor job performance
3. Program effectiveness
4. Student experience
5. Appropriateness and effectiveness of the integration of faith and learning
3. Identify and provide oversight of subject matter experts who are contracted to provide course-level redevelopments as needed.
4. Participate in or lead (as directed) the creation/evaluation of relevant reports (e.g. program assessment, accreditation)
5. Identify, plan for, and implement professional growth goals as related to the director/professor role.
6. Stay abreast of changes in the evangelical theological landscape, including new publications, currents in ecclesial life, instructional best practices, and shifting expectations for ministry professionals.
7. Partner with the marketing and enrollment teams to promote relevant programs as needed and directed.
8. Screen, recommend, and vet qualified affiliate faculty as needed.
9. Lead the resolution of escalated conflicts arising from students and faculty within relevant programs.
10. Under the dean’s direction, develop new programs and/or courses.
11. Participate in relevant committees, webinars, trainings, etc. at CCU, local, state, regional, and national levels.
12. Meet regularly with the SBTS dean.
13. Provide ongoing engagement with students throughout the programs as required.
14. Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
15. Collaborate with the admissions team to design effective recruitment strategies that attract qualified candidates.
16. Develop and implement initiatives that support student success, retention, and timely completion.

Work Environment

As a remote position, this role works primarily with CCU-issued technology tools such as laptops, webcams, microphones, and a learning management system from their home office. While performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. You may be required to work occasional irregular hours, including some nights and weekends. Colorado Christian University expects all faculty and staff who live in or near Denver to become a part of the University community by participating in activities and events on campus throughout the year, which may occur during evenings and weekends. Candidates residing beyond metro Denver or outside of Colorado are exempted from this expectation

What we offer our employees:

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to all employees. Our benefits package includes a tuition waiver program, excellent healthcare, generous paid time off, a matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings. Pay and benefits will be discussed in more detail as candidates progress through the interview process. The pay range for this role is $70,000 - $80,000 annual salary. Faculty pay will be assigned by rank at a negotiated range. Pay is assigned by reviewing a combination of job-related factors that may include: internal/external pay equity, the salary structure/pay grade, or a candidate’s qualifications/experience for the job. A wage range posted is not a guarantee of a specific wage and CCU reserves the right to make pay decisions based on economic and equity considerations. CCU does not determine pay based on sex or any other protected status.

Application Status

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.